If you like working with others, and like problem solving then its definitely worth considering. Do you ever look at a bridge/skyscraper etc. and wonder how they did that? Or better still, are you looking at the way the road at home is laid out and thinking if they had of done something differently it would have been better.

Engineering is not a career people think about and say its helping people, but in many ways it is rewarding and just as much about helping people. Engineers design things used everyday that help people get to work, provide clean water, provide sewerage systems, care for the environment....

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with clever technology. They will often follow the latest developments in their chosen field, and prefer mentally stimulating environments.

Check out the numerous resources on the website (http://www.SmartFutures.ie) such as:

* Careers video with people working in areas such as food and sports science, cybersecurity, engineering, energy, app development, biotechnology, medical devices and lots more*

Read career interviews profiling people working in STEM in our blog series ‘Career Stories’ or simply look up a career by entering a keyword (e.g chemistry) in the search box.

Smart Futures is coordinated and managed by SFI Discover, the Science Foundation Ireland-funded STEM outreach programme. It was established in partnership with Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme in 2012 and is supported by organisations such as PharmaChem Ireland, the Royal Society of Chemistry, ICT Ireland, the Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA) and The Institute of Physics.

Mechatronic Engineer

Elva Bannon"I’m part of a team inventing something new that has the potential to provide clean renewable energy"

Science Teacher

Cian O'Mahony"After studying science, I did a one-year Higher Diploma in Education in UCC. This involved studying the theory of educational practice as well as having practical work experience"

Amateur Astronomer

Deirdre Kelleghan"Giving talks in libraries, schools and arts centers to thousands of children each year is very satisfying"

Astronomer

Dave McDonald"

For astronomy, a yearning for answering the unanswered questions is a must. You also need to be dedicated and focused and not put off by the weather

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Planetary Scientist

Caitriona Jackman"I work with data from the magnetometer on the Cassini spacecraft which is in orbit around the planet Saturn"

Electronic Engineer

Shane Callanan"Engineers are the same all over the world. There are technical problems to solve, and we love to solve them!!!"

Software Engineer

Karl Stanley"The purpose of technology is to automate the things that people are bad at, so they can spend more time doing things they are good at"

Design Engineer

Sinead Kenny"The coolest thing of all is to hear that the device has worked and that the quality of life of patients has improved."

Science Communicator

James Stewart"At the moment I am working with a group of young people, teaching them how to plan, shoot and edit a short film"

Analytical Chemist

Brian O'Connor"It is very cool knowing that I play a role in the production of this drug coming to the market."